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(FS:R) - Breaking Digital Barriers: The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Accessibility - with Lee Beckett

Session Overview
The internet is meant to connect us all, but every day invisible barriers keep millions of people with access needs out. Accessibility is often seen by businesses as just a legal checkbox, but it is a powerful catalyst that leads to innovative design, stronger brands and more inclusive digital experiences that are essential for some, but useful for all.

Through real examples and practical steps on where to get started, we’ll discuss the human, ethical and business cases for accessibility, and the very real financial cost of ignoring it.

FutureSkills Learning Outcomes

  • Understand why accessibility matters — gain a deeper appreciation of how inclusive design benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities.
  • See the bigger impact — explore how accessibility drives innovation, strengthens brand reputation, and reduces the financial and ethical risks of exclusion.
  • Learn where to begin — discover practical, actionable steps to make digital products more accessible and aligned with business goals.

Personal Bio:

Lee Beckett is an experienced product manager and agile coach, leading teams in creating innovative digital solutions for complex challenges. Over his 20-year career in the digital space, he’s worked for household names such as Amazon, Honda Motor Europe and SSE Energy Solutions, owning several award-winning products.

A passionate advocate for accessibility, Lee has led the cause for inclusive design within his organisations, championing awareness, creating action groups, organising training and building strategies to ensure every product works for everyone.

When he’s not being a product manager, Lee can be found playing live music at local events, starting (but not necessarily finishing) woodwork projects in his shed, or fussing over his two very spoiled cats.

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Logistics - In-person and Remote

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Schedule

18:00: Icebreaker on Miro

18.15: (FS:R) FutureSkills : Reading - Introduction

18.20: - (FS:R) - Breaking Digital Barriers: The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Accessibility - with Lee Beckett

19:45: Close

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We look forward to seeing you there!

Adam and Stu

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About (FS:R) FutureSkills : Reading - Our mission is to grow the community of future facing technologists in Reading and share new trends and techniques that will help us accelerate into the future.

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We strive to host a friendly and safe environment for all attendees. Please read our Code of Conduct for full details on how we maintain this, and to understand how best to let us know about anything that may be going against this: http://bit.ly/AND-CodeOfConduct

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